[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 153 (Wednesday, October 10, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2106-E2107]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING THE MEMORY OF HERMAN M. MAISEL

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JO BONNER

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 10, 2007

  Mr. BONNER. Madam Speaker, the city of Mobile and indeed the entire 
state of Alabama recently lost a dear friend. I rise today to honor him 
and pay tribute to the memory of Mr. Herman M. Maisel, a devoted family 
man and dedicated community leader.
  A native and lifelong resident of Mobile, Mr. Maisel was a standout 
athlete at Murphy High School in football, basketball, and baseball. 
After graduating in 1942, he enlisted in the Marines. He served in the 
Pacific theater until the end of WorId War II and was cited for his 
bravery.
  After returning home, he attended the University of Alabama using the 
G.I. Bill and received a degree in education. Once again, he was a 
standout athlete, named to the all-star teams in intramural football, 
basketball, and baseball. While in graduate school at the university, 
he coached both the freshman football and basketball teams.
  In 1952, Mr. Maisel was named assistant football coach and head 
basketball coach at his alma mater, Murphy High School. Under his 
leadership, the Murphy High School basketball team racked up 91 wins 
and only 12 losses, winning three city championships and tying for 
another. The team also won three district titles and the 1956 Alabama 
State Basketball Championship, a first for a Mobile school. He also 
coached the Murphy golf team, which won the state championship in 1956.
  With a desire to be a better provider for his family, Mr. Maisel 
entered the real estate business. In 1971, he acquired Staples, Pake & 
Griffin Real Estate in Mobile, changing the name to Herman Maisel & 
Company. This company became one of the top 100 shopping center 
developers in the United States, with holdings in 14 states. 
Additionally, he was a founding partner in Mobile Greyhound Park.
  Mr. Maisel was actively involved in his community, contributing to 
numerous civic and charitable endeavors. He was a member of the Mobile 
Sports Hall of Fame, serving on its board of directors, and a past 
president of the Ahavas Chesed Synagogue in Mobile.
  There is no doubt--Mr. Herman Maisel's contributions to Mobile and 
the state of Alabama will be long remembered. He loved life

[[Page E2107]]

and lived it to the fullest, and his passing marks a tremendous loss 
for all of south Alabama. He will be deeply missed by many, most 
especially his wife of 60 years, Freida Gutlow Maisel; his three 
children, Kathy M. Bronstein, Elliot B. Maisel, and Ivan B. Maisel; his 
ten grandchildren; as well as countless friends he leaves behind.
  Our thoughts and prayers are with them all at this difficult time.

                          ____________________